Meet Michael
A. Joanow

Experience • Integrity • Fairness

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MEET MICHAEL JOANOW

Nearly 40 Years of Legal Experience. Deep Roots in Mercer County.

Michael A. Joanow has practiced law since 1988, building a career that has included judicial clerkship experience, civil litigation, and representation of individuals and families throughout Mercer County and the surrounding region.


His professional experience began as a law clerk to the Honorable Francis J. Fornelli. He subsequently worked as an associate attorney, became a partner in private practice, and established Joanow Legal Group in Hermitage, where he serves as managing partner.

Throughout his career, Joanow has represented clients in matters involving personal injury, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and other civil disputes. His work has involved people facing difficult legal, medical, and financial circumstances.


Alongside his legal practice, Joanow has participated in community organizations, youth athletics, local government advisory work, and professional legal associations. His 2027 candidacy for the Mercer County Court of Common Pleas follows decades of professional and community involvement in the county.

38

Years in Legal Practice

Pennsylvania & Ohio Bars

Admitted to Practice Law

Portrait of the candidate
Portrait of the candidate

01.

01.

Legal practice
since 1988

02.

02.

Mercer County
community service

03.

03.

Civil litigation
experience

HIS BACKGROUND

A Career in Law. A Lifetime in Mercer County.

Born and raised in Mercer County, Michael Joanow has built his professional career and family life in the community. He and Laurie, his wife of 33 years, raised their family in Mercer County and reside in Hermitage.

Joanow graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1985 and earned his law degree from Ohio Northern University’s Pettit College of Law in 1988. While attending law school, he participated in moot court and client counseling activities, was involved in the Student Bar Association, and received recognition through the Order of Barristers.

Born and raised in Mercer County, Michael Joanow has built his professional career and family life in the community. He and Laurie, his wife of 33 years, raised their family in Mercer County and reside in Hermitage.

Joanow graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1985 and earned his law degree from Ohio Northern University’s Pettit College of Law in 1988. While attending law school, he participated in moot court and client counseling activities, was involved in the Student Bar Association, and received recognition through the Order of Barristers.

Born and raised in Mercer County, Michael Joanow has built his professional career and family life in the community. He and Laurie, his wife of 33 years, raised their family in Mercer County and reside in Hermitage.

Joanow graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1985 and earned his law degree from Ohio Northern University’s Pettit College of Law in 1988. While attending law school, he participated in moot court and client counseling activities, was involved in the Student Bar Association, and received recognition through the Order of Barristers.

After graduating, he began his legal career clerking for Judge Francis J. Fornelli in September 1988; the clerkship lasted approximately nine months. He went on to practice with Routman, Moore, Goldstone & Valentino from 1989 to 1997, followed by a partnership at Douglas & Joseph from 1997 to 2007.

In 2007, Joanow became managing partner of Joanow Legal Group. The Hermitage-based practice has represented clients in workers’ compensation, personal injury, disability, and civil litigation matters.


Over nearly four decades of legal practice, Joanow has participated in hundreds of hearings and trials, developing extensive courtroom experience across a broad range of legal matters. His work has included civil and criminal trials, administrative proceedings, and the representation of clients in complex legal disputes.


His courtroom experience extends to domestic relations matters, support proceedings, juvenile matters, unemployment compensation hearings, and other administrative and judicial proceedings. Joanow has also argued appellate cases before the Pennsylvania Superior Court and Commonwealth Court, further broadening his experience with legal analysis, advocacy, and the judicial process.


Beyond Pennsylvania, Joanow’s legal work has included litigation and depositions involving multiple jurisdictions, with proceedings in locations including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, and Paris. This breadth of legal experience has strengthened Joanow’s understanding of courtroom procedures, complex legal issues, and the importance of sound legal judgment, providing a strong foundation for the responsibilities he would assume as a judge of the Mercer County Court of Common Pleas.

After graduating, he began his legal career clerking for Judge Francis J. Fornelli in September 1988; the clerkship lasted approximately nine months. He went on to practice with Routman, Moore, Goldstone & Valentino from 1989 to 1997, followed by a partnership at Douglas & Joseph from 1997 to 2007.

In 2007, Joanow became managing partner of Joanow Legal Group. The Hermitage-based practice has represented clients in workers’ compensation, personal injury, disability, and civil litigation matters.


Over nearly four decades of legal practice, Joanow has participated in hundreds of hearings and trials, developing extensive courtroom experience across a broad range of legal matters. His work has included civil and criminal trials, administrative proceedings, and the representation of clients in complex legal disputes.


His courtroom experience extends to domestic relations matters, support proceedings, juvenile matters, unemployment compensation hearings, and other administrative and judicial proceedings. Joanow has also argued appellate cases before the Pennsylvania Superior Court and Commonwealth Court, further broadening his experience with legal analysis, advocacy, and the judicial process.


Beyond Pennsylvania, Joanow’s legal work has included litigation and depositions involving multiple jurisdictions, with proceedings in locations including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, and Paris. This breadth of legal experience has strengthened Joanow’s understanding of courtroom procedures, complex legal issues, and the importance of sound legal judgment, providing a strong foundation for the responsibilities he would assume as a judge of the Mercer County Court of Common Pleas.

After graduating, he began his legal career clerking for Judge Francis J. Fornelli in September 1988; the clerkship lasted approximately nine months. He went on to practice with Routman, Moore, Goldstone & Valentino from 1989 to 1997, followed by a partnership at Douglas & Joseph from 1997 to 2007.

In 2007, Joanow became managing partner of Joanow Legal Group. The Hermitage-based practice has represented clients in workers’ compensation, personal injury, disability, and civil litigation matters.


Over nearly four decades of legal practice, Joanow has participated in hundreds of hearings and trials, developing extensive courtroom experience across a broad range of legal matters. His work has included civil and criminal trials, administrative proceedings, and the representation of clients in complex legal disputes.


His courtroom experience extends to domestic relations matters, support proceedings, juvenile matters, unemployment compensation hearings, and other administrative and judicial proceedings. Joanow has also argued appellate cases before the Pennsylvania Superior Court and Commonwealth Court, further broadening his experience with legal analysis, advocacy, and the judicial process.


Beyond Pennsylvania, Joanow’s legal work has included litigation and depositions involving multiple jurisdictions, with proceedings in locations including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, and Paris. This breadth of legal experience has strengthened Joanow’s understanding of courtroom procedures, complex legal issues, and the importance of sound legal judgment, providing a strong foundation for the responsibilities he would assume as a judge of the Mercer County Court of Common Pleas.

Outside his law practice, Joanow has participated in youth sports organizations, food assistance initiatives, local recreation programs, and other community activities. His involvement includes leadership roles with Hermitage Little League and service on the City of Hermitage Parks and Recreation Board.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Experience, Education & Community

A background in court service, civil practice, legal education, and Mercer County community involvement.

01.

Judicial Clerkship & Courtroom Experience

Over nearly four decades of legal practice, Joanow has developed extensive courtroom experience through hundreds of hearings and trials involving civil, criminal, and administrative matters. His career began with a judicial clerkship for Judge Francis J. Fornelli, providing an early foundation in judicial proceedings and the administration of justice. Building on that foundation, Joanow established a distinguished career in private practice, ultimately founding Joanow Legal Group, where he serves as managing partner. His extensive legal experience has prepared him for the responsibilities of serving on the Mercer County Court of Common Pleas.

02.

Representing Individuals & Families

Throughout his legal career, Joanow has represented individuals and families in a broad range of legal matters, including personal injury, workers' compensation, disability, domestic relations, and civil litigation. His experience has reinforced his commitment to the fair administration of justice, equal treatment under the law, and the protection of constitutional rights. He recognizes that justice must be impartial while ensuring that victims of crime are treated with dignity, their voices are heard, and their rights are fully respected and protected under the law.

03.

Education & Professional Admissions

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS — Joanow earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1985 and his Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University in 1988. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1988 and the Ohio bar in 1989. He has also served in leadership positions within the Mercer County Bar Association and Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division.

04.

Mercer County Community Service

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT — Joanow’s community involvement has included serving as chairman of the City of Hermitage Parks and Recreation Board, executive board member and past president of Hermitage Little League, and board member of the Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County. He has also participated in the Hermitage Girls Softball Association and local faith-based community activities.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Rooted in Mercer County

For Michael Joanow, community involvement has included years of participation in organizations serving local families, children, and residents in need.


His volunteer history includes work with the City of Hermitage Parks and Recreation Board, where he served as chairman, and Hermitage Little League, where he has held executive board and presidential roles. He has also served with the Hermitage Girls Softball Association, supporting the administration and organization of youth athletics.


Beyond recreation and youth sports, Joanow has served on the board of the Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County, an organization addressing food insecurity in the region. His community history also includes leadership and parish council service at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.


These activities are part of a longstanding connection to Mercer County that extends beyond his legal practice and includes organizations supporting local families and community life.

Youth & Recreation

Youth & Recreation


Through leadership roles with Hermitage Little League, Hermitage Girls Softball, and the City’s Parks and Recreation Board, Joanow has contributed to programs that provide opportunities for young people and strengthen community recreation.

Through leadership roles with Hermitage Little League, Hermitage Girls Softball, and the City’s Parks and Recreation Board, Joanow has contributed to programs that provide opportunities for young people and strengthen community recreation.

Supporting Local Families

Supporting Local Families


As a board member of the Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County, Joanow has supported an organization helping local families facing food insecurity and connecting residents in need with essential resources.

Professional & Civic Service

Professional & Civic Service


Joanow’s service extends beyond the courtroom through leadership in professional associations and involvement with local faith and civic organizations. His longstanding connection to these institutions reflects a commitment to contributing to the Mercer County community.